Cold snap signals hazardous driving conditions

As winter draws in and the Met Office predicts random cold spells causing potentially hazardous driving conditions, Prudential Car Insurance is urging drivers to take extra care.

November 2005 saw the highest number of road accidents of any month in the year. Out of the 16,966 road accidents, 1,913 were serious and 243 were fatal.

According to Prudential Car Insurance, November last year saw a 13 per cent rise in car insurance claims. And with unpredictable weather conditions creating problems for unsuspecting drivers the insurer says numbers could rise further this year.

The cold weather can also have significant effects on vehicle reliability, the insurer warns. Prudential’s research reveals that almost three quarters of British motorists (72 per cent) have broken down and 61 per cent have had to wait over an hour at the side of the road. Despite the alarming incidence of breakdowns one-in-six (16 per cent) had no breakdown cover.

Phil Southgate, media relations manager at Prudential Car Insurance said: “Allowing just a little extra time for each journey and being ultra vigilant at this time of year could help prevent against becoming involved in an accident on the winter roads. Furthermore, drivers should double check their insurance policies for additional elements such as breakdown cover which could make the difference between being stuck on the side of the road for hours or making it back to the warmth of your home.”

Top 5 Winter Driving Tips from Prudential Car Insurance:

Check local and national weather forecasts to prepare for hazardous conditions
Take time before a journey for your vehicle to defrost
Beware of black ice, taking extra care in shaded areas
Use major roads for journeys rather than smaller, quieter roads
In wet and icy conditions break gently to avoid skidding